FARMERS' UNION.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12978, 18 May 1906, Page 5

FARMERS' UNION.

TARANAKI CONFERENCE.

Per Press Association.

ELTHAM, May 17, The Taranaki Provincial Conference of the Farmers'. Union is now sitting at El-. tham.

Mr S. Forsyth, of Opunake, was elected president for the coming year. After a. long discussion on black-leg mortality a resolution was passed . demanding from the compensation for losses.

A resolution was passed urging continuation of the agitation for the freehold, and the necessity for further legislation to promote settlement on native lands-.

A resolution was passed urging reform of local government, and advocating electoral rights in preference to- the present system, of ballot at elections. > :

The Conference rejected a proposal'to the effect that the Government should discontinue the importation of stud horses and bulls and poultry. It also rejected a proposal .to grant the freehold to leaseholders, of native lands.

The Conference passed .a resolution that a representative of the farmers shouldhavfc a seat in assessment courts; also that the Conference views, -with alarm the statement lately reported tk> have been made "by the Premier in regard to taxation and protests against the proposal that further taxation be placed on ; the.already overburdened farmer. ■•■•'■

A discussion oh the tariff question took place, and a resolution was passed that the only fair-and equitable way of altering: the tariff would be in the direction of a revenue tariff, with as preference to British goods carried in British bottoms.